Cody Wilson carries catch streak into senior day

Senior receiver Cody Wilson’s 17-yard catch in the first quarter of Saturday’s win against Eastern Michigan was more than just a big gain for the Central Michigan football team.

It improved his consecutive games with a reception streak to 39, the third-longest active streak in the nation.

Wide receivers coach Mose Rison said the streak is more than just a sign of consistency, but also his work ethic on and off the field.

“It makes him special,” Rison said. “To have a catch in 39 straight games tells you the kind of football player he is. He does everything you ask him to do from a coach-player relationship; he has a knack of understanding exactly what you’re supposed to be doing from a coverage standpoint; he understands how to get in the holes and find creases; he has great hands, and when you put all those aspects together, he comes out to be a really good football player.”

Although Wilson said he does not like to focus too much on personal feats, he did admit it is a significant accomplishment.

“It’s pretty cool,” he said. “And I was here for when Brian Anderson (former CMU receiver) caught like 54 straight. I’m not going to get that close, but I’m out there either as the No. 1 or No. 2 target, so if I’m doing my job, I should be getting a catch a game.”

Through ten games this season, Wilson has caught six or more passes six times. In his career, he has 214 receptions, accumulating 2,578 yards. His 214 catches rank him third in CMU history.

“He’s Mr. Steady,” head coach Dan Enos said. “He’s tough, he’s smart and we’re going to miss him a lot when he finally does leave here.”

With Rison coming aboard as the wide receivers coach this season, he is now the fourth different coach in Wilson’s career.

“They’ve helped a ton,” Wilson said. "It’s interesting, because I’ve had four different coaches, but it keeps me on my toes. And every spring I had to come in here and prove myself again, which at the time, it’s hard, but it’s a good thing. And each one brings something different, so you’re learning a ton every time a new one comes in.”

Wilson has also played an instrumental role in helping the young receivers.

“He’s a great role model—especially for the young receivers,” Rison said. “They watch him every day. He works extremely hard; he’s strong inside the weight room, and he’s always the first one in line. When we line up to run routes, he is always the first one in line and I think the guys look up to that.”